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Algebra II

MATH 207/208

Algebra II

  • Course ID:MATH 207/208
  • Semesters:2
  • Department:Mathematics
  • Course Rank:Required
  • Teachers:Joseph Lanzilotti

Description and Objectives

Algebra II aims to deepen both the scope and understanding of the material covered in Algebra I. The course serves as a bridge between basic algebra and more advanced mathematics, helping students to gain the mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed for higher education. This knowledge provides a foundation for a wide range of practical applications in various fields. Students will learn to form and use arithmetical laws, functional relationships, and equations. The course introduces students to the concept of an exponential function for the first time, aims to increase students’ understanding of trigonometry which will be revisited in Geometry and Precalculus, and helps students to develop and exercise analytical logical reasoning.

Algebra II can be broken down into the following four general topics: Basic algebra (a review of Algebra I), Rational Expressions , Polynomial functions, and Exponential and Logarithmic functions.

Outline of Topics Covered

Objective: To ensure that students can successfully solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems as well as graph solution sets of such equations, inequalities and systems. Next the discussion turns to quadratics of the form and piece-wise linears . After this, factoring is employed as a tool in graphing.

Objective: We continue to increase the degree of the polynomial having already looked at linear and quadratic functions. Some mention will be made to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.

Objective: Having already discussed polynomials, it is now time to discuss the quotient of polynomials – namely rational expressions. We will limit ourselves to simple rational functions and make much use of the Chart of Signs to discuss the qualitative graphs of these functions.

Objective: Having learned how to factor polynomials, we will dive into solving quadratic equations by Factoring, Completing the Square, and using the Quadratic Formula.

Objective: This topic covers basic functions theory: relations vs. functions, inverses and the concept of one-to-one. Here we reiterate the notions from Algebra I with an eye on increasing the library of functions with which the student is familiar.

Objective: Here we introduce having variable exponents. This is then used as a springboard to a discussion of inverses of functions and the definition of a logarithm.

Textbooks

Kaufmann, Jerome E. 1996. Intermediate Algebra.

Students must provide and maintain brown paper covers for their math textbook. Covers must remain clean and intact throughout the duration of the course. In clear, large letters “Intermediate Algebra” must be written on the front of the cover. The course name followed by the student’s last name must be written in all caps on the spine of the cover (ALGEBRA II – LAST NAME).

Textbooks must be covered by the beginning of the second day of class. Successfully and neatly covering the textbook will count as a perfect first quiz grade. Ten percentage points will be deducted from this quiz grade for every day that the book is not appropriately covered.

Notebooks must be kept in good order.

For instructions on covering your textbook, click here.

Course Requirements

Participation

Participation includes coming to class prepared and on time, participating in discussion, and staying on task. Students are expected to bring the following items to every class:

  • Textbook with neat, clean, and properly labeled brown paper cover
  • Composition notebook kept neat, clean, and orderly
  • At least two (2) pencils, sharpened, with erasers that are adequate for corrections
  • Completed homework assignment with all work shown

Students are expected to remain attentive and engaged throughout the course of each class. Every class period, a maximum of 10 points will be earned towards the participation grade.

Homework will be assigned nearly every day.

Quizzes occur frequently, about once a week.

Tests can be expected about twice a quarter.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected and encouraged to grow in the virtue of academic honesty. This course abides by the policy of academic honesty found in the student/parent handbook. As such, cheating in any form, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated. For the purposes of this course, plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying homework from another student’s notebook, from an answer book, or from the internet without correct citation.
  • Using the ideas and conclusions of others without giving appropriate credit.

Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

  • Copying answers or work (whether another’s or one’s own) on tests or final examinations.
  • Acquiring a portion of assigned academic work from another person or source, or acquiring a copy of or information about a test or exam.

“An offense against academic honesty will lead to a failing grade and parental notification. A second offense may result in lack of credit, immediate parental conference, failure for the marking period in which the offense is committed, and suspension. A third offense may result in further suspension or expulsion from school.” Student/Parent Handbook

Successful Students

Successful students arrive to class on time and ready to learn. Successful students study diligently and consistently, complete homework on time, and ask thoughtful questions when appropriate.

Successful students:

  • Arrive to class on time prepared and ready to learn.
  • Are attentive, take notes, and show appropriate respect to their classmates and the instructor.
  • Study diligently and consistently.
  • Complete all homework assignments on time giving each problem an honest and diligent effort.
  • Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate.
  • Perform well on tests through doing the above, along with additional intentional preparation one or two days before a test.

Summer Assignment

The Algebra II summer assignment contains 150 questions with an answer sheet. Please have all answers filled out on the answer sheet. Summer assignments are due Wednesday, 4 September 2024, at the beginning of the first day of class.

The summer assignment will count as a quiz grade.

The summer assignment for Algebra II can be found at the following link:

https://heights.edu/app/uploads/2018/10/2019-Algebra-2-Summer-Assignment.pdf